winter

What’s better than giving loved ones the perfect holiday gift? Giving a gift with a story! If you’re traveling to San Francisco this season, don’t just settle for bringing home cliché souvenirs: instead, scoop up locally made, SF-inspired goodies for friends, family, and yourself. Read on for our guide to unique, budget-friendly stocking stuffers with travel tales to tell.

Winter in Northern California means cool, bright days and crisp, chilly evenings. It also means always having a great excuse to duck into someplace cozy for a pick-me-up. From fire-lit bars, to brick-oven-warmed bakeries, to restaurants chock-full of cozy ambiance, we asked the staff at our seven Norcal hostels for their favorite local spots to warm up. Read on for their picks, and get ready to settle in for the winter.